Vol. 21, No. 6 | February 8 - 14, 2016 by Pahayagang BALIKAS

February 8 - 14, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 6 | Php 12.00/copy balikasonline@yahoo.com | 0912.902.7373 | 0926.774.7373

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SAN PASCUAL, Batangas – OIL firm Chevron Philippines confirmed reports that its pipeline has malfunctioned while transferring oil onto motor tanker M/T Sunrise Sampaguita, a chartered vessel, about 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon last Friday. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson Lt. Commander Armand Balilo said a certain Engr. Eric Tulero of Chevron Philippines told them about the oil spill. Immediately after the confirmation, the PCG ordered their personnel to check the area and prevent a possible widespread oil spill. To prevent the spread of the spilled oil, the operation was immediately stopped.

>>>MARINE ENVIRONMENT.... turn to P/3

OIL SPILL. The chartered vessel MT Sunrise Sampaguita as anchored at the Batangas Bay while being loaded with bunker fuel from Chevron’s depot prior to the oil spill incident, Friday.|

OF POLLS AND‘HORSE RACE’:

Making Media Coverage Count MEDIA coverage of elections, which often treats these political exercises as though these were mere sporting events pitting opponents eyeing a highly coveted prize, does not push the boundaries of acceptable public discourse. But as is often the case in the Philippines, or other parts of the world, such a scenario easily comes into POWER UP The Cleanergy Center’s e-bike charges phones and helps burn unwanted calories. The center is currently procuring additional e-bike units that can be deployed to communities when there is a power outage in times of disaster. [Read story on page 8.|

view once the campaign season, officially or otherwise, gets underway. Amid an intensifying political season, mudslinging among candidates and political parties easily forms part of the prevailing campaign narrative, made worse by ‘horse race journalism’. That is, media’s

>>>ELECTION REPORTING......turn to P/2

BSU, DOST jointly unveils P1.4-m TOAD IN response to the challenge to be of help to the local communities in disaster operations, the Batangas State University in partnership with the Department of Science and technology (DOST) launches an amphivious vehicle Thursday. Aptly named TOAD for Tactical Operative Amphibious Drive, this specialized vehicle is specifically made for disaster response and is capable of plying in both land and water. The BatStateU and the DOST, developer of TOAD, officially launched and unveiled to the public the landand water-operating vehicle last Thursday. TOAD sits six passengers. The developers adopted the design of a four-wheel vehicle that looks like the Filipinos’ common owner-type jeep. TOAD costs P1.4 million: DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) gave a

>>>INVENTION.... turn to P/3

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150 bagong Batangas PPSC Pest-ridden BOI-approved SPES grantees, opens ISO community investments reach kukunin ng PESO Refresher Course Php366-B in 2015 >>>NEWS....sundan sa P/2

>>>NEWS....turn to P/3

>>>OPINION....turn to P/4

>>>BUSINESS....turn to P/6

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

OPINION

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Municipality of LAUREL For VICE-MAYOR 1. AUSTRIA, FELIMON 2. LAMANO, CRISTITUTO 3. VERGARA, MARVIN

LP PDPLBN NPC LP NPC PDPLBN

For MEMBERS, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 1. BALBA, JIMMY PDPLBN 2. BILOG, ANTONIO JR. NPC 3. BILOG, OVEN PDPLBN 4. BROTONEL, BAROK PDPLBN 5. DALISAY, MARK IAN NPC 6. DE GRANO, MICHAEL NPC 7. DE VILLA, OLIVE PDPLBN 8. ENCARNACION, NELLIE GEM NPC 9. ENDAYA, SEVERINO JR LP 10. FACTORIZA, MANUEL PDPLBN 11. GARCIA, NORVIC NPC 12. GARDIOLA, LUCIANO LP 13. GUMAPAC, ISKO PDPLBN 14. LANDICHO, ANDREO LP 15. LANDICHO, REGINA LP 16. MACARAIG, MULO PDPLBN 17. MAYUGA, MARIVIC PDPLBN 18. OGALINOLA, RACHELLE LP 19. PALO, JOEL NPC 20. RODRIGUEZ, ANGELITO LP 21. RODRIGUEZ, MARCIAL IND 22. SARMIENTO, FROILAN NPC 24. TENORIO, DOMINGO LP 25. ULITIN, JUNIE LP 26. VILLANUEVA, FLORENCIO NPC

Municipality of MALVAR For MAYOR 1.REYES, CRISTETA For VICE-MAYOR 1. ARANDA, ANTONIO 2. LAT, ALBERTO

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

<<<ELECTION REPORTING..... from P/1

OFFICIAL LIST OF CANDIDATES For MAYOR 1. AMO, RANDY JAMES 2. ENDAYA, VINCENT 3. NATANAUAN, RODERICK

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Of Polls and‘Horse Race’: Making Media Coverage Count preoccupation with who’s winning and losing in the latest opinion polls and stoking the fires of a rather flawed, and admittedly rousing, narrative. The Philippine Press Institute (PPI), also known as the national association of newspapers, alongside other concerned sectors of society, believes the media must rise to the challenge of helping bring about an enlightened public discussion, in this season no less. This, by taking the proverbial spotlight away from the political sleaze and scandals that trivialize an otherwise important national political undertaking toward more substantive issues, including the candidates’ political platforms, track records, and positions on a host of issues, especially as these relate to specific sectors of society. In the next three weeks, PPI, the country’s national association of newspapers, will embark on a series of seminar-workshops aimed at enabling its member publications across the country to gain a better understanding of how public opinion surveys are conducted — and how best to report them. PPI, through partnership with the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines (MORES), and funding from Nickel Asia Corporation, aims to help ensure that its member newspapers

Philippine Press Institute will be able to provide an election coverage that has meaning and value to the Filipino public through stories that speak to their collective needs and aspirations. Dubbed “Opinion Polls and Elections: Making Media Coverage Count,” PPI’s three-day seminarworskshops will kick off on February 10 in Baguio City for participants from member newspapers in Luzon. Similar undertakings for those in Visayas and Mindanao are slated for February 17-19 in Iloilo City and February 24-26 in Cagayan de Oro City. The seminars will include lectures by MORES on opinions polls as these relate to democracy, what media must look for when reporting about surveys, and tracking surveys beyond elections in relation to broader public interest issues. Still another highlight of this PPI undertaking is a presentation by Gang Badoy Capati, founder and executive director of Rock Ed Philippines, on political metrics — otherwise dubbed polimetrics — an online, data-driven

scorecard for public officials. Other resource speakers are Rachel E. Khan, associate professor at the College of Mass Communication, University of the Philippines - Diliman, who will tackle ethical issues and challenges confronting the media during elections; and Tess Bacalla, PPI training director, who will talk about unreported and under-reported stories revolving around elections. A scholastic forum, similarly themed around public polls and elections, for communication and journalism students and educators will follow in a separate venue after the conclusion of each media seminar-workshop. The first of a series for NCR will be conducted on February 9 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in cooperation with the Philippines Communication Society and said university. “Through these workshops, we hope to contribute to raising public discourse on many important and relevant issues before and after elections,” said PPI executive director Ariel Sebellino.|

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LP IND LP

For MEMBERS, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 1. ARANDA, MATT LOUIE LP 2. BASILAN, FEDERICO IND 3. DELA PEÑA, JOVITO 4. ENDAYA, APOLLO 5. GAN, MARY GRACE 6. LAT, ARNEL 7. MENDOZA, ARACELI 8. REYES, KARINA 9. SALUDO, AILEEN 10. SAMARITA, RACHEL ANN 11. TAGLE, WILLIE

NPC LP IND LP LP LP LP LP LP

Mun. of MATAASNAKAHOY For MAYOR 1.ILAGAN, JAY 2. REGALADO, MEL 3. SILVA, GUAL

LP IND NPC

For VICE-MAYOR 1. DIMAANO, PUTO 2. ILAGAN, JANET 3. LAQUI, HENRY

IND LP NPC

150 bagong SPES grantees, kukunin ng PESO

NPC LP IND NPC LP LP NPC IND IND NPC LP NPC NP NPC LP NPC IND IND NPC PMB LP LP IND IND LP IND

MAAARI nang mag-apply ang mga interesadong kabataan na nagnanais na maging Special Program for Employment of Student (SPES) grantee. Ang aplikasyon ay nagsimula noong February 2 at tatagal hanggang March 16. Ang SPES ay isang summer job na naglalayong mabigyan ng pagkakataong makapaghanapbuhay ang mga mag-aaral lalo na yaong walang kakayahang makapag-aral dahil sa kakulangang pinansyal. Mayroon silang 30 araw upang magtrabaho sa ibat ibang departamento ng lokal na pamahalaan. Ayon Public Employment Service Office Manager (PESO) Noel Silang na

For MEMBERS, SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 1. ACERIMO, LILETH 2. ARIOLA, EDWIN 3. BENEDICTO, ARNEL 4. CAJUCOM, KITKIT 5. CALINISAN, WILLY 6. CARAAN-LAQUI, MERLYN 7. COMETA, RONNIE 8. DE OCAMPO, LEMUEL 9. DIMAANO, MA'AM JOAN PUTO 10. GARDIOLA, TEODORO 11. HERNANDEZ, VIRGILIO 12. KATIGBAK-GALICIA, SONIA 13. LANDICHO, ROY 14. LAQUI, MELVIN 15. LUBI, KAP. MOISES 16. LUBIS, ARIEL 17. MAGPANTAY, RICKY 18. METRILLO, LITA 19. MINDANAO, LEVY 20. OBTIAL, BOY 21. OBTIAL, BRO. OBET 22. SOMBRANO, EFREN 23. SUBOL, NIÑO 24. TENORIO, CELIA 25. VERGARA, AGA 26. VERGARA, CHESTER

TRABAHO PARA SA BATANGUEÑO. INIISA-isang ipaliwanag ni Public Employment Services Officer Noel Silang sa mga aplikante ang mga detalye ng Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).| JEFFREY MARANAN

siyang namamahala sa nasabing programa, isa ang Batangas City na kinikilala ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sapagkat marami ditong estudyanteng nabibigyan ng trabaho tuwing summer vacation. Ang mga kwalipikadong aplikante ay kinakailangang residente ng lungsod ng Batangas na may edad na 1625, magtatapos ng highschool ngayong taong ito o mag – aaral na papasok ng grade 11 ngayong taong ito o kaya ay nasa kolehiyo o kaya ay out of school youth. Nagmula sa pamilyang may annual income na P 114, 822.00 at average na 80% pataas sa huling pinasukang taon/ semester.

Idinagdag pa niya na sa taong ito, 150 ang tatanggaping bagong SPES grantees habang 50 naman ang mga datihan na SPES grantee. Sila ay tatanggap ng 40% na sweldo ng mula sa Department of Labor and Employment o DOLE at 60% naman sa pamahalaang lungsod. Kaugnay nito, ang SPES orientation ay gaganapin sa

April 8. Bukod sa masusing panayam ng DOLE, sasailalim din ang mga grantees sa SPES Qualifying Exam na panganga-siwaan ng PESO sa March 28. Para sa mga interesado, makipag-ugnayan lamang sa PESO sa CCYA Building sa P. Dandan St o tumawag sa telepono bilang 723-3794.| RONA E. CONTRERAS

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late RODANTE R. LANDICHO who died intestate on February 6, 2015 at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Agoncillo, Batangas consisting of a Savings Account at Philippine National Bank (PNB) – Lemery Branch under Account Number 207247700019 was extrajudicially adjudicated by his heirs per Doc. No. 421; Page No. 85; Book No. XXIII; Series of 2015 of ATTY. LIONELL M. MACABABBAD. Pahayagang Balikas | February 8, 15 & 22, 2016

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

NEWS

balikasonline@yahoo.com

Batangas PPSC opens ISO Refresher Course THE Batangas Provincial Public Safety Company (BPPSC) formally opened the Internal Security Operations (ISO) Refresher Course Tuesday at the Batangas PPO Grandstand, Camp Gen. Miguel C Malvar, Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City. Batangas PPSC’s primary responsibility is Internal Security Operation to and address other threats to national security. They are tasked to conduct suppressive operations against

dissidents and other forms of lawlessness. Thus, this activity is being undertaken to guarantee law and order, public safety and tranquillity, to protect citizens and their property and assets, to ensure that citizens can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms. The program was formally opened with an invocation. Afterwards, Police Inspector Eugenio Nephtali E Solomon, Platoon Leader warmly welcomed everybody.

Police Superintendent Ruben B Lacuesta, Company Commander, declared the opening of the said course which will be participated by One Hundred, Thirty-Eigth (138) strong PPSC personnel and will run for a week. In closing, Police Senior Superintendent Arcadio L Ronquillo Jr., OfficerIn-Charge, delivered his message among the participants and to all present in the said occasion emphasizing that he will support the said program.|

................................................................................................................................................................ <<<MARINE ENVIRONMENT..... from P/1

PCG contains Chevron’s oil spill in Batangas Atty. Raissa Bautista, Chevron Philippines Manager for policy, government and public affairs, said: “The loading was immediately stopped and the leak was fully contained as of 7:00 pm after booms were immediately deployed at the site.” Chevron, one of the country’s biggest oil companies, maintains a depot at the former Caltex Refinery here. The 3,490-ton Sunrise Sampaguita, a Philippine-flagged vessel that was built in 2001, was moored at the time at the Chevron jetty here for the loading of the firm’s bunker fuel for shipment out of the depot. Meanwhile, Chevron is currently working with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Energy regarding the incident. The Marine Environmental Protection Unit

Southern Tagalog is conducting an investigation, the report said. Capt. Gregorio Adel, the PCG commanding officer in Batangas, said they are conducting investigation as to the cause of the malfunctioning of the distribution pipeline. Adel also said the site of the oil spill, which covered about 80 square meters, has been secured to prevent it from spreading. Booms were scattered to prevent the oil from spreading in the water. About 300 liters of bunker fuel were recovered from the sea. While no fishing area was directly affected by the oil spill, observers said the contaminated portion may still have harmful effects to the marine environment.|BALIKAS NEWS

................................................................................................................................................................ <<<INVENTION.... from P/1

BSU, DOST jointly unveils P1.4-million TOAD grant of P500,000; BatUState with P900,000. BatStateU engineers designed TOAD to operate in land and on water. Dr. Carlos Primo David, PCIEERD executive director, said the DOST and BatStateU will officially launch and demonstrate TOAD this week on Taal Lake Yacht Club, Talisay, Batangas. A four-man team of BatStateU main campus in Alangilan, Batangas City, developed TOAD in response to the “challenge of designing and developing

a low-cost amphibious vehicle for disaster response,” said Assistant Director Albertson Amante, head of BatStateU Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation. The team is composed of BSU president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, himself an Asean engineer; Engr. Albertson Amante, an electronics engineer and Asst. Director for Engineering and Technology Research; Prof. Armando Sinohin, a senior faculty of automotive; and Mr. Eugene Ereno, a University

research associate. Through a P500,000 funding from PCIEERD and P900,000 from BatStateU, the developers started the TOAD project in August 2014 and completed it in December 2015, Pahayagang Balikas learned . With the application for TOAD’s patent, the developers are planning to make TOAD commercially available for the use of local government units (LGUs) for their use in disaster operations.|

MARCHING ORDER. “Be the best that you can be.” Thus, PSSupt. Arcadio L. Ronquillo Jr., Officer-In-Charge, asked his men as he address them during the program.|

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT AND EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, TANAUAN CITY EJF NO. 16-018 SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure under Act 3135 as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as PAG-IBIG Fund), with principal place of business at Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, which mortgage was assigned in favor of HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund), with business office at 14 th Floor JELP Business Solutions Center, No. 409 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, mortgagee, against DOLORES O. REYES, single, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, with residence and postal address at #106 Purok I, Block 5, bayanan, Muntinlupa City, mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 16, 2015 amounts to ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FIVE PESOS & 44/100 (Php 188,375.44) inclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total indebtedness, plus the expenses of this foreclosure which are all covered by the mortgage, the undersigned Ex-Officio Sheriff of Tanauan City, or any of his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on February 29, 2016, at 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon in front of the Hall of Justice, Tanauan City, Batangas, to the highest bidder for Cash or Manager’s Check and in Philippine currency, the following real property/ies together with all the improvements thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-127616 “A parcel of land (Lot 4 Blk 38A Sec. 8 of the cons. subd. plan Pcs-04-012895, being a portion of the consol. of Lots 9811, 8273, 8274, 8278, 8279, 9806 and 9812; Cad-424, Sto. Tomas Cadastre, L.R.C. Rec. No. ______), situated in Brgy. Sta. Maria, Mun. of Sto. Tomas, Prov. of Batangas, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., along line 1-2 by Lot 3 Blk 38A Sec 8; on the SE., along line 2-3 by Lot 2 Blk 38A Sec. 8; on the SW., along line 3-4 by Alley 106 and on the NW., along line 4-1 by Lot 6 Blk 38A Sec 8, all of the cons. subd. plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, xxxxxx to the point of the beginning; containing an area of THIRTY EIGHT POINT FIFTY (38.50) SQUARE METERS. All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time date. In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 7, 2016, same time and place, without further notice. Perspective buyers and/or bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the little of the above-described property/ies and the encumbrance thereon may there be. City of Tanauan, Province of Batangas, January 28, 2016. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF: (Sgd.) ALAN D. JAVIER Deputy Sheriff Publish at Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at Batangas City Posted at: Brgy. Hall of Sta. Maria; Mun. Hall, Public Market, all at Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Hall of Justice, Tanauan City, Bats. Copy Furnished All parties concerned. Pahayagang BALIKAS | February 1, 8 & 15, 2016

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

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Safety First

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

OPINION

CBCP online

THE Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers, and considered the oldest professional media organization in the country since 1964, joins the United Nations (UN) as it calls out for safety and welfare of journalists and media workers in an on-going forum in Paris, France. Worldwide, media organizations and their partners have put to the fore discussions on safety in the context of economic and press freedom. editorial Enabling a violence-andimpunity-free society makes (for) an independent media and stronger democracy. On the local front, the PPI has always encouraged owners and publishers of its member-newspapers to protect their media employees by providing enough remuneration and resources to be able to function well, considering the Phililpines is one of the most dangerous places for media workers. The situation admittedly is far from ideal but necessary steps (largely provocation) have already been taken up to make safety as a priority newsroom ........................................................................................................................................................ mechanism and an employment right that secure tenure and defend the otherwise volatile press freedom in the ONE of the biggest culprits political icons in the country.|

Pest-ridden community

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What I learned from the IEC YOU think that as a priest I already know everything about the Eucharist? The answer is a big, flat No. Even if I must confess that I know quite a bit about it, and already have an extensive experience related to this most sublime sacrament, I realize that what the Catechism says about the “inexhaustible richness” of the Eucharist cannot be any truer. I found myself feeling like one with a zero-knowledge everytime I attended a session during the Congress. I was like a desert experiencing for the first time the refreshing blessing of a downpour. I had the clear impression that the Holy Eucharist would engage me in a lifelong process of getting to know, appreciate, and live it better and better everyday. During the Congress, I was aware of many new insights coming in, like seeds just sown. Hopefully in time, these would grow and bear much fruit. It started right at the opening Mass celebrated by no less than the Papal Legate, the Burmese Cardinal Maung Bo. He set the tone for the weeklong event. It was about having a greater sensitivity to the social dimension of the Eucharist, something that many people fail to realize That was the theme or the spirit that was consistently built up in every talk, session, or workshop. To be sure, it was a theme that had as its proper roots in the deep realization that the Eucharist is the most central part of a Christian’s life, and its celebration has to be as best as possible humanly, liturgically, culturally speaking, etc. In other words, the social dimension should be the organic outgrowth of our faith in the centrality of the Eucharist in our life and its most solemn celebration. As the Papal Legate put it, the celebration has to turn into a commitment. The Eucharistic celebration should not just be an hour-long ceremony. It has to be an abiding, lifelong celebration. The celebration should not be

>>>CANDIDLY SPEAKING.... turn to P/7

A bilingual weekly newspaper of general circulation published by the PAHAYAGANG BALIKAS, INC., a corporation duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Certificate No. CS201401804. Member:

in the country stems on how community are the the society will fight drug bloodlines of addictions. addiction. Although that the They are the masterminds government mandates of corrupting the minds of Republic Act 9165 also the youth. My perceptions known as Comprehensive of ideal politics were Dangerous Drugs Act of affected of what being 2002, a law that controls all the activities including happened in the community everyday. Issues of drug selling and illegal use of prohibited drugs, still there are related offenses-either illegal possession or use alarms increasing number of criminal cases entrenched from me. Instead of idolizing their leadership, it really ruins drug abuse. my views to become a political servant. In connection, Commonly, this situation is an archetypal setting drug addiction in a family is rampant. Members of the in a community. According to research, the vital zone family are deniably accepting the fact that if they were of drug addiction activities can be found in the urban infested by addiction, they need social acceptance and areas were cities never sleeps and establishments were assistance. It is equally alarming that the lax attitudes opened 24 hours, 7 days a week. among both parents and teens about the dangers of Undoubtedly that analysis was deceitful. For many, drug abuse are concealed for the sake of their clan and an addiction is rampant. It cannot choose the area of social status. possible target, even urban or rural. Comparing to the The government should not be lulled into thinking urban scenario, the rural drug-related activities are that drug addiction is easily to solve. Drug Addiction is vulgar. Although people are in the state of denial on a public health crisis that needs to be cured immediately. accepting the fact that It means that the society drug addiction is demands for more "Drug addiction is a public obviously portrayed in upfront education about the family. health crisis that needs drugs and their dangers The 80 percent docuto people before they start to be cured immediately." mented criminal cases in dabbling or using it. the eastern barangays of Moreover, the the city were related to drugs. It already affects not government needs to build stronger strategies that will only the typical Juan dela Cruz but most commonly the response to the needs of the community. As the trends youth, who are expected to be in school regularly. in drug abuse shift, school, law enforcement and health Instill in my cognizance what our National Hero officials will need to expand their antidrug message. said; “Ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng Bayan”, sad to say Without more information and action, the threat of that old adage was already neglected. Most of the youth drug abuse among teens will only worsen. So don’t let behave beyond the expectations of the society, not one pill cost you a felony.| considering what etiquette and humane manners ________________ means. Drug addiction cannot be resolved without the Francine A. Malaluan is a Junior High School student help of the community. But allegedly most of the local at San Celestino National High School, Lipa City.

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Ang pangalang “BALIKAS” ay hango sa mga salitang ‘balik’ at ‘kalikasan’. Hangad ng pahayagang ito na maging kasangkapan sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang impormasyon upang maibalik ang dating anyo ng ating inang kalikasan.|

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

OPINION

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Syria burning and why Filipinos should assert the nation’s sovereignty SYRIA is in the center of world news because of the migrant crisis it precipitated, the devastation the four-year civil war has been causing that nation of 22.85 million, with 330,000 people dead, 7 million internally displaced and 5 million refugees, and the number of countries intervening in the war. In 2015, an estimated 600,000 refugees have made their way to Europe, majority of whom came from Syria. The four-year civil war shows no signs of ending soon. Russia has been supporting and propping up the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It has been launching airstrikes at territories controlled by the Free Syrian Army rebels, as well as that of the ISIS. The US has been arming and financing the rebels and has been allowing Saudi Arabia and Turkey to channel arms to ISIS. The US has declared that there would be no peace in Syria without the removal of Assad. As of the latest count, 10 countries have launched airstrikes in Syria, in support of the Syrian government, against it, or against ISIS. These countries are Russia, the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Australia, Turkey, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Saudi Arabia, which already has troops fighting in Yemen, has offered to send ground troops to Syria purportedly to fight ISIS. In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! Rashid Khalidi, a Palestinian-American and a professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, described what is happening in Syria now as “a civil war that’s developed into a quite massive proxy war.” Charles Glass, former ABC News chief Middle East correspondent who wrote a book “Syria Burning: ISIS and the Death of the Arab Spring,” described the situation in Syria as a civil war between and among the Assad government and different armed opposition groups, a proxy war between Russia and the US, and a regional sectarian war between Saudi Arabia, a Sunni government, which has been arming both the Free Syrian Army and ISIS and Iran, a Shia government, which has been supporting the Syrian Army. Syria is the only Russian client state in the Middle East while the US has been able to subject to regime change all governments in the Middle East that have been opposing it, the latest of which were Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Syria has been the only hold out.

It is ironic that Hafez alAssad’s – the current president’s father – rise to power was the product of a CIA operation that overthrew the elected government of Syria in 1949. The US initiated a regime change in Syria to ensure that there would be no resistance and preconditions to the construction of an oil pipeline from Saudi Arabia to Syria. But this destabilized the Syrian government, with coup d’états occurring from 1949 t0 1970, until the older Assad took the reins of government. The involvement of Russia and the US, as well as Saudi Arabia and Iran, complicated by six other countries, is the reason why there is no end in sight for the war in Syria. The people of Syria have, in effect, lost control over their own destiny. They have become mere pawns in the global conflict between the US and Russia, and the regional war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The worst part of it is that it is the Syrian people who are the main casualties of this war. It is the Syrian people who have been suffering most. When Filipino progressives have been warning against the country being dragged into a war not of its own making because of its unequal military agreements with the US, specifically the US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement, and more recently, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), they were not talking from a theoretical point of view, but from actual historical experience. And the mess that Syria is in now is an example of what progressives have been warning about. The US and Russia have not only been interfering in the internal affairs of Syria, in gross violation of the sovereignty of the Syrian people. The US and Russia have dragged the Syrian nation in a global war for economic, political and military dominance, and it is the Syrian people who have been suffering. When the EDCA was signed, the Aquino government would want to make us believe that we would be able to use the US to protect and support the country as we assert our claims over certain oil-rich islands in the West Philippine Sea. On the contrary, it is the US who is now using us to justify its pivot to Asia and to force China to kowtow to its interests. And if we do not fight our client state status, the Filipino people would not only lose control over our own destiny, we would be sacrificial lambs before the altar of US corporate and geopolitical interests.|

Benjie Oliveros

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Practically neglected poverty. Many of them IT IS piteous to see faces of leave because of domestic people suffering from violence or worse due to poverty. With the governsexual exploitation and ment issue of hiding those human trafficking. They fellow folks during the are exposed on the chaos of Papal Visit and Asia-Pacific the avenues leading them to Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, it seems that the former already be a member of criminal gangs or becoming prey to sexual and other abuses. abandoned the welfare of our oppressed countrymen. What the government needs is to provide street Such problems are common in all developing countries where large segments of the populations are considered children with the opportunities not only for survival but extremely poor. And as of today, Philippine population for their development into responsible adults. Thus, the inflated to 104 million. It indicates that poverty is a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can take them off the streets and providing them activities common ground among Filipinos. In connection, the problems about street children go that will improve their lives. Sad to say, the administration does not have a longbeyond what we see as the homeless, hungry and juvenile term plan for this facet of the society. Still, those street delinquents. Let's accept the fact that most of the thoroughfares in children will remain homeless and elevated for the risk of the country are the reflections of the numerous faces of developmental, learning, social and mental issues. Our leaders should have vigilant moves because they street children. They are asking for a little help for them cannot simply ignore the to have something to eat. anguishes of the country. But the reality is they have "Our leaders should have And by letting them no foods to eat, no clean vigilant moves because they experience a comfortable life and comfortable clothes to just for a week will not be wear and most of all, no cannot simply ignore the the answer. The families to look after. The anguishes of the country." government should have a streets already kidnapped long-term plan tracking their rights to live. According to the Millennium Development Goal what President Aquino’s aim of “Daang Matuwid”. The (MDG), there is a big possibility that by the year 2018, reflections of those faces will still be the replica of his there will be a huge increase on the development of administration that seems to end hanging and nonsense. mankind. A better future by providing them opportunities _____________ Genevieve M. Dinglasan is a Junior High School student will be their best weapon to survive. Not all children abandoned their homes due to of San Celestino National High School in Lipa City.

5 Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist THE institution of the Eucharist started during the Last Supper. It was on the night when our Lord Jesus Christ shared one last meal with his disciples, the night before he was humiliated to suffer on the Cross. It was also during this meal that Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Orders to perpetuate this sacrifice of his Body and Blood; to keep alive the Paschal Mystery–sacrifice of the Cross, his death and resurrection. The institution of the Eucharist, the First Mass, is the 5th in the Luminous Mystery of the Holy Rosary. As the Gospel of Matthew tells us, Jesus eagerly desired to eat this Passover before he suffers: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” (Matthew 26:26-28).  When the Eucharist is celebrated, Christ is truly present body, blood, soul, and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine. In the act of consecration during the Eucharist, the bread and wine are changed into Body and Blood of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. The change is called “transubstantiation.” According to our Catholic faith, we can speak of “the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist because transubstantiation has occurred.” For Jesus said: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.” (John 6:51-55). This is what the Church means when she speaks of the “Real Presence” of Christ in the Eucharist. The risen Christ is present to his Church in many ways, but most especially through the sacrament of his Body and Blood. Some of the bread consecrated and were not consumed during the Mass are kept in the tabernacle, which is usually placed in a conspicuous place inside the Church, particularly the Altar or beside it. Called the Blessed Sacrament, it is used for distribution to the dying, the sick, and those who legitimately cannot be present for the celebration of the Eucharist. It may also be exposed in the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, carried in Eucharistic processions, or when it is simply placed in the tabernacle; the people pray privately before it, since Christ himself is present under the appearance of bread. As Catholics are doing, one should genuflect in the presence of the tabernacle containing the reserved sacrament; to make the sign of the cross and to bow with adoration, reverence, and respect. It is not appropriate to speak in loud or boisterous tones in the church because of the presence of Christ in the tabernacle. As a sign of reverence, Catholics are required to fast at least one hour before receiving the Body and Blood of Christ (unless illness prevents one from doing so). “The Eucharist is a sacrifice for it is offered. The Eucharist is a sacrament for it is received. In the Mass, we offer ourselves to God, and God gives Himself to us. The Mass will be fruitful in the measure of our surrender to the Father.” As food nourishes the body, the Eucharistic food nourishes the spirit. Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because he loves us. God’s whole plan for our salvation is directed to our participation in the life of the Trinity, the communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The sharing of an ordinary meal, especially by all the members of the family, creates a union and solidarity among them who share together the foods. Similarly, in the Eucharist, the People of God share a meal that brings them into communio not only with each other but more so with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Before we receive the Holy Communion, we must be in a state of grace, free of all mortal sin, mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, an act of sorrow for sins accompanied by the firm intention of making a sacramental confession as soon as possible. During the celebration of the Eucharist, Christ is in Real Presence not only in the Blessed Sacrament but also in the person of the priest who presides over the Mass. Christ is present in his Word “since it is he himself who speaks when the holy Scriptures are read in the Church.” He is also present in the people who prays and sing, “for he has promised ‘where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’.” He is also present in other sacraments: baptism, in the celebration of the Eucharist, confirmation. This presence is called “real” because it is substantial and through it Christ becomes present as God and man. We congratulate all those who are making the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) a successful event. We thank the heads and members of the working committees, all the volunteers, some of whom are our friends and co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord, the pilgrims and participants from the Philippines and other parts of the world. Thank you to all the clergy who celebrated and concelebrated in the Eucharist during the pre-IEC and IEC events, the speakers, facilitators, and sharers. Thank you to the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, clergy, religious, deacons, seminarians, and to the Apostolic Nuncio Giuseppe

>>SANTIAGO...turn to P/7

OCTOBER 12 - 18, 2015

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OPINION

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FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

BUSINESS

BOI-approved investments reach Php366-B in 2015 INVESTMENTS approved by the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), the industry development and investments promotion arm of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), reached P366.74 billion in 2015, up by 3% from the P354.76 billion posted in 2014. The aggre-

gated investment approvals were generated from 358 projects. BOI expects a total of 58,252 new jobs when these investments became fully operational. The increase in investments was attributed mainly to the approval of big power projects including Olympia

AUCTION

Billion (from 55 projects) and with generating capacity of 2,095.92MW posted during the period. These were comparatively higher from last year’s record of Php174.69 Billion (from 37 power-related projects) and with total generating capacity of 1,542.404MW.

Violago Water & Power Ltd. Co. (Php69.13 Billion); San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. (Php49.45 Billion); and Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (Php29.50 Billion). Overall, energy related investment projects aggregated a total of Php246.42

AUCTION

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT AND EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, TANAUAN CITY

EJF NO. 16-012

EJF NO. 16-013

SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure under Act 3135 as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as PAG-IBIG Fund), with principal place of business at Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, which mortgage was assigned in favor of HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund), with business office at High Rise Business Center, National Highway, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City, mortgagee, against ANICETO S. MALABANAN married to VILMA REGIS, both of legal age, Filipino Citizen, with residence and postal address at San Pioquinto, Malvar, Batangas, mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 27, 2015 amounts to ONE HUNDRED FIFTY ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED FORTY TWO PESOS & 56/100 (P151,142.56) inclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total indebtedness, plus the expenses of this foreclosure which are all covered by the mortgage, the undersigned Ex-Officio Sheriff of Tanauan City, or any of his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on February 29, 2016, at 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon in front of the Hall of Justice, Tanauan City, Batangas, to the highest bidder for Cash or Manager’s Check and in Philippine currency, the following real property/ies together with all the improvements thereon, to wit:

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure under Act 3135 as amended filed by HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (otherwise known as PAG-IBIG Fund), with principal place of business at Petron Mega Plaza, 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, which mortgage was assigned in favor of HDMF (Pag-ibig Fund), with business office at High Rise Business Center, National Highway, Brgy. Halang, Calamba City, mortgagee, against MARY ANN P. PATRON, single, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, with residence and postal address at c/o MARY ANN P. SIOCO, Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas, mortgagor/s, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of November 27, 2015 amounts to ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY FIVE PESOS & 50/100 (P1,637,785.50) inclusive of interest and penalty charges, attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total indebtedness, plus the expenses of this foreclosure which are all covered by the mortgage, the undersigned Ex-Officio Sheriff of Tanauan City, or any of his duly authorized deputy will sell at public auction on February 29, 2016, at 9:00 o’clock in the morning to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon in front of the Hall of Justice, Tanauan City, Batangas, to the highest bidder for Cash or Manager’s Check and in Philippine currency, the following real property/ies together with all the improvements thereon, to wit:

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-101333

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-138481

“The increase in power investment projects augurs well for the country’s goal to ensure energy security and independence. These investments support the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2010-2030 to search for, discover, and further develop energy sources,” BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said. The PEP indicated that at least P3 trillion in fresh investments are needed to attain the goal.

Manufacturing sector also contributed to the increase in investments which reached Php27.01 Billion from Php24.47 Billion in 2014. “The continued growth of the manufacturing industry is a clear indication of the efforts to boost the growth and further development of the sector through the Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP),” Rodolfo said.

>>>BUSINESS.. turn to P/7

AUCTION REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 87 ROSARIO, BATANGAS OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF SHERIFF’S NOTICE OF SALE EJF CASE NO 2016-300 Upon extra-judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4116 filed by BOLBOK RURAL BANK, INCORPORATED, mortgagee, with office address at Mojica St., Poblacion, San Juan, Batangas against SPS. WILFREDO BAJETA AND THELMA BAJETA, mortgagor/s, with residence and postal address at Brgy. Nagsaulay, San Juan, Batangas, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of October 12, 2015, amounts to ONE HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED NINEY FOUR PESOS & 76/100 (P145,294.74) including/excluding interest and other charges agreed thereon and other expenses in connection with this sale, secured by the mortgagee the undersigned Deputy Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Office of the Clerk of Court & Ex- Officio Sheriff, Rosario, Batangas, will sell at public on March 4, 2016 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main entrance of the Hall of Justice, Rosario, Batangas to the highest bidder for CASH and in the Philippine Currency, the described real property and its improvements thereon to wit:

“A parcel of land (Lot 688-E of the subd. Plan (LRA) Psd-365820, approved as a non-subd. project, being a portion of Lot 688-Pcs-47, Malvar Cad. (LRC) Rec. No. N-485, situated in the Bo. San Pioquinto, Mun. of Malvar, Prov. of Batangas, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 4 to 5 by Lot 688-C of the subd. Plan; on the SE., points 5 to 6 by Lot 948; Pcs-47; on the SW., points 6 to 1 by Lot 688-F of the subd. plan; on the NW., points 1 to 2 by Lot 689, Pcs-47, Malvar Cad. And beyond by Provincial Road and on NE., and NW., points 2 to 4 by Lot 688-D of the subd. plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, xxxxxx to the point of the beginning; containing an area of TWO HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN (227) SQUARE METERS.

“A parcel of land (Lot 14 Block 12 of the consol. and subd. plan Pcs-04-017431, being a portion of the consol. of Lot 40, Block 5 & Lot 10, Pcs-04-015353 and Blk. 20, Pcs-04-015992, L.R.C. Rec. No. 18578), situated in the Bo. San Antonio, Mun. of Sto. Tomas, Prov. of Batangas, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the SE., along line 1-2 by Lot 12, Blk. 12; on the SW., along line 2-3 by Road Lot 17; on the NW., along line 3-4 by Lot 16; on the NE., along line 4-5 by Lot 15; along line 5-1 by Lot 11 all of Blk. 12 of the cons. subd. plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, xxxxxx to the point of the beginning; containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE (155) SQUARE METERS.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time date.

In the event that the Auction Sale should not take place on said date it shall be held on March 11, 2016, without further notice.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on March 7, 2016, same time and place, without further notice.

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above stated time and place.”

Perspective buyers and/or bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the little of the above-described property/ies and the encumbrance thereon may there be.

City of Tanauan, Province of Batangas, January 25, 2016.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF:

(Sgd.) PONCIANO C. MENDOZA SHERIFF IV

Publish at Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at Batangas City Posted at: Hall of Justice, Tanauan City Mun. Hall, Public Market, Brgy. Hall, Brgy. San Pioquinto all at Malvar, Batangas.

Publish at Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at Batangas City Posted at: Hall of Justice, Tanauan City Mun. Hall, Public Market, Brgy. Hall, Brgy. San Antonio all at Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Copy Furnished All parties concerned.

Pahayagang BALIKAS | February 1, 8 & 15, 2016

TAX DECLARATION NO. 21-0025-00302 ‘A parcel of Residential/Agricultural Land, together with all buildings and future improvements thereon, situated in Nagsaulay, San Juan, Batangas. Bounded on the North by ALN-69 Brgy. Road; on the South by ALN-42; on the east by ALN-55; and on the West by ALN-70. Beginning x x x x containing an area of SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY SIX (736) SQUARE METERS, more or less. Prospective buyers and bidders are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title herein above described and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Rosario, Batangas, February 1, 2016. (Sgd.) ROMEO U. MACARAIG Sheriff IV Published at Pahayagang BALIKAS Edited at Batangas City Posted at Bulletin Municipal Hall Bldg. of San Juan; Brgy. Hall of Nagsaulay; Public Market of San Juan, Batangas. Date of Sale: March 4, 2016. Copy furnished: PARTIES CONCERNED Warning: It is absolutely prohibited to remove deface or destroy this Notice of Sale on or before the date of sale UNDER PENALTY OF LAW. Pahayagang BALIKAS | February 8, 15 & 22, 2016

FEBRUARY 8 - 14, 2016

LIFETIMES balikasonline@yahoo.com

Lion’s marker, pinasinayaan sa‘1st anniv’ng Tanauan City Lions Club What I learned from the IEC <<<CANDIDLY SPEAKING... from P/4

LUNGSOD NG TANAUAN, Batangas – Isang bagong istraktura ang mabubungaran sa pagpasok sa lunsod na ito matapos opisyal na pasinayaan ang isang higanteng busto ng leon na siyang popular na simbolo ng samahang Lions Club International (LCI). Kaalinsabay sa pagdiriwang ng unang taong pagkatatag ng Tanauan City Lions Club noong Enero 23, isa sa pinakabatang “chapter” sa ilalim ng Lions District 301A2, pinasinayaan ang may

halos pitong metrong taas na monument na itinayo sa “highway boundary” ng Lunsod ng Tanauan at Bayan ng Sto. Tomas sa may kahabaan ng Pres. Jose P. Laurel National Highway. Isang misa ng pasasalamat na sinundan ng isang “motorcade” ang nagsilbing hudyat ng buong araw na pagdiriwang na dinaluhan ng ilang matataas na opisyal mula sa iba’t ibang “clubs” na kasapi ng Lions District 301A2 Regional Zone 6. Ito ay kinabibilangan nina Region 6

Chairperson Sheeda Villanueva at Dr. Bong Ilagan ng Rosario Lions Club; Zone Chairs Winnie Bico at Iteng Babasa, Dante Bico at Batangas Lions Club President Alex Yap. Nagtapos naman ang pagdiriwang sa isang salusalo ng lahat ng miyembro at kaanak ng Tanauan City Lions Club sa pangunguna ni Charter President Dante Natanauan na ginanap sa Perez Compound sa Barangay Tinurik sa lungsod na ito| GERALD LARESMA

ANG mga kasapi ng Tanauan City Lion’s Club at ang bagong landmark ng lunsod.

...................................................................................................................... <<<SANTIAGO... from P/5

Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist Pinto who participated in the IEC. Most of all, thank you to the print and broadcast media who made it possible for those who were not able to join

the IEC to know and feel as if they are also present in all the events that is happening in the IEC in Cebu. Special mention to CBCP Monitor and Radio

Veritas 846. Thank you all for sharing your time, talent and treasures, for “Christ in you, our hope of glory.” God bless and Mabuhay!|

understood solely as something purely liturgical, done in some church, sanctuary or holy place. We need to understand that the Eucharistic celebration has to extend to all parts of the day and to all aspects of our life, whether spiritual or material, sacred, or mundane. In other words, there’s nothing in our life that cannot and should not be related to the Eucharist. The whole day, our whole life should be some kind of a Mass that, of course, should be rooted on its liturgical celebra-tion. But the liturgical celebration would somehow be nullified, its tremendous effects practically wasted, if we fail to take advantage of its power to purify and transform us individually and socially, spiritually and materially, etc. With the Eucharist, we are already given everything by our Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier to be what we ought to be, again individually and socially, spiritually, and materially, etc. We need to draw the endless impli-cations of that reality about the Eucha-rist. For example, how should the Eucha-rist affect our life of prayer, of sacrifice, of continuing formation? What should it do with regard to our family life, our work, our business, and politics, our culture?

............................................................................................................................................................... <<<BUSINESS... from P/6

BOI-approved investments reach Php366-B in 2015.... The MRP which aims to rebuild the existing capacity of industries, streng-then new ones, and maintain the competitiveness of industries with comparative advantage. The MRP also seeks to build on agriculture-based manufacturing industries that generate employment, and support small-holder farmers and agri-cooperatives through product development, value-adding, and integration to big enterprises for marketing and financing purposes. “The revival of the manufacturing sector is key to inclusive economic growth because it will generate much-needed employment and help the country tap regional production networks,” Rodolfo said. The other sectors that likewise contributed to the increase are agricul-ture, forestry and fishing (Php6.19 Billion from Php2.53 Billion); and information and communication (Php4.68 Billion from Php2.38 Billion). Investment commitments from domestic sources reached Php307.24 Billion or 84% of the total investment approvals in

PA L A IS IPA N 1

6 12

21 23

January to December of this year while the remaining 16% or Php59.51 Billion were generated from foreign sources (source from top10forex.net forex trading). The foreign country sources include Netherlands with investments worth Php26.70 Billion or 45% share to total approved foreign investments during the period; Singapore with investments amounting to Php10.80 Billion (18% share), Malaysia with Php2.67 Billion (4% share), South Korea with Php2.41 Billion or (4% share), and Taiwan with Php2.37 Billion (4% share). In terms of geographic distribution, more than 45% of registered investments are located in Region 4A with Php165.68 Billion. Region VI came in second with Php60.75 Billion or 17% share to total approvals followed by Region VII which recorded almost Php32.23 Billion or 9%. The National Capital Region meanwhile ranked as fourth placer with Php29.50 Billion worth of investments.| CHARLIE S. DAJAO

PAHALANG PABABA 1 Ireserba 1 Iabot sa kasama 6 Pagsingit sa usapan 2 Gary: komedyante 11 May ukit sa gilid 3 Sabi nila 13 Antigo 4 Bayan sa Pangasinan 14 Puntirya 5 Tounch me ___ 15 Pagsukat sa lalim ng 7 Taginting tubig 8 Putikan 16 Bitag 9 Huramentado 17 Kasarian 10 Balot 19 Ina ni Birheng Maria 12 Belo 20 Pusali 18 Isang kontinente 21 Sakahan 20 Mr. Manzano 24 Nabago 21 Bundol 25 Pilipino: daglat 22 Tinadyakan 27 Pangalang panlalaki 23 Hangin sa tiyan 29 Pangkulay sa buhok 24 Mr. Zuñiga 30 Hawkins o Alvarez 25 Katapusan 31 Pangangatal 26 Katayuan 33 Uga 28 Love ni lolo 34 Botelya 29 Labi 35 Hiwang manipis 32 Tinda sa Petron 36 Pugad

How should it shape and develop our relations with others? Does it lead us to involve ourselves increasingly in the big issues of the world, or does it only restrict us to certain issues without relating them to the other burning issues of the day, like climate change, technological challenges, terrorism and the ever present prob-lems of poverty, inequality, and injustice, terrorism, etc.? The IEC has given me a richer appre-ciation of the intricacies of evangelizing the secular world today. I believe I saw glimpses of the nuances of the art of proc-laiming the Gospel while engaging in a continuing dialogue with all kinds of people in different human situations and predicaments. The IEC somehow has given me a deeper impulse to be most discerning of the

different spirits behind all kinds of developments in our life. There are true spirits and deceptive ones, the spirit of God that is always shown with humility, and the spirit of devil that tries to seduce us with giving us appearances of truth and goodness packaged beautifully with sound bytes, hype, and other worldly allure and charm. The latter spirit seems to be getting rampant nowadays as a good number of spiritual leaders today have the tremendous capacity to mesmerize people with their speaking skills and other talents, while their actual life is a mess. Just the same, the IEC has clearly convinced me that while sin may abound, God’s grace abounds much more. There’s always hope, my friend!

Aquarius (Ene. 20-Peb. 18) - Palagi kang too late to be a hero, kapag aasa ka na lang sa sulsol ng iyong kaibigan. Sundin ang kutob. Lucky numbers at color ay 15, 29, 35, 25 at electric blue. Pisces (Peb. 19 - Mar. 20) - Nakakasama sa kalusugan ang pagkimkim ng poot. Pag-aralan ang magpatawad para maakit ang suwerte. Lucky numbers at color ay 9, 19, 28, 38 at fuchsia pink. Aries (Mar. 21 - Abril 19) - Pasalamatan ang Diyos dahil ikaw ngayon ang nagbibigay ng tulong sa kapwa. Ang kaibigan na tinutulungan ay dapat mo ring pasalamatan dahil siya ang divine expression ng iyong kakayahan. Lucky numbers at color ay 13, 21, 27, 35 at silver. Taurus (Abril 20-Mayo 20) - Ang inspiration ang magpapasigla ng katawan. Mas maraming matatapos na gawain. Lucky numbers at color ay 1, 19, 25, 41 at orange. Gemini (Mayo 21-Hun. 21) - Maisasakatuparan ngayon ang matagal mo nang pinapangarap. Tanggapin mo, ito ang divine mission na nakalaan sa’yo. Lucky numbers at color ay 11, 31, 37, 45 at green. Cancer (Hun. 22-Hul. 22) - Nahawaan ka ng masiglang saya ngayon. Dahil dito mabilis na matatapos ang gawain. Lucky numbers at color ay 22, 39, 41,44 at blue. Leo (Hul. 23-Ago. 22) - Ang selos ay insecurity ng pagkatao, magbubunga ito ng masalimuot na paghihiwalay. Lucky numbers at color ay 2, 3, 39, 44 at coffee brown. Virgo (Ago 23-Set. 23) - Sa mahinahong paraan, pabulong na ipaliwanag ang inaakalang mali ng kasama. Dahil dito mag-i-improve ang inyong samahan. Lucky numbers at color ay 6, 25, 37, 49 at citrine yellow. Libra (Set. 24-Okt. 23) – Ang pag-iyak ay emotional reaction sa isang masalimuot na kaganapan ng buhay. Ito ang magbibigay liwanag sa kalooban. Lucky numbers at color ay 11, 19, 25, 49 at flame red. Scorpio (Okt. 24-Nob. 22) - Kapag tatanggapin mo ang responsibility, maraming blessings ang darating. Mananalo ka sa lotto. Lucky numbers at color ay 19, 27, 39, 46 at peach. Sagittarius (Nob. 23-Dis. 21) - Sa pagtatapos ng relasyon, merong mabubuksan okasyon tungo sa kaganapan ng walang hanggang kaligayahan. Lucky numbers at color ay 17, 29, 31, 44 at cream yellow. Capricorn (Dis. 22-Ene. 19) - Dahil sa iyong kakuriputan, maraming gamit ang nag-short circuit. Buti na lang hindi nasunog ang bahay. Lucky numbers at color ay 26, 29, 11, 15 at jade green.|

February 8 - 14, 2016 | Vol. 21, No. 6 balikasonline@yahoo.com

F.E.S.T.

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Promoting environmental awareness through Cleanergy e-bike AboitizPower participated in the Laguna’s National Environmental Awareness Month organized by the

Please deposit your Registration Fee to BDO Account # 005 090 109 037 Leslie Arellano and e-mail the copy of deposit slip to lesliecarellano@yahoo.com.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (PGENRO) last November 25 to 27 at the capitol grounds through a fun and interactive Cleanergy electronic bike (e-bike) booth. The Cleanergy e-bike is one of the many exhibit booths during the campaign launch of the Laguna E-Code, which features environmentalfriendly products and lecture series on the best practices in environmental protection, preservation, and management. By pedalling this stationary e-bike, visitors during the event get to promote efficient energy saving practices and sustainable lifestyle. The Cleanergy e-bike is being housed in the Cleanergy Center, an energy education facility located in the admin complex of its wholly-owned subsidiary AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI) in Barangay Bitin, Bay, Laguna. In 2015, more than 10,000 students and professionals have experienced the informative audio-visual presentations, fun and interactive displays, and educational tour of a working geothermal power plant. APRI President and COO Felino Bernardo shared, “We in AboitizPower support Laguna Province’s drive towards the conservation of our environment. With our geothermal plants in the provinces of Albay, Batangas, and Laguna, we are committed to providing reliable power supply at a reasonable and competitive price. We do this with the least adverse impact on the environment and in the communities where we operate.” To experience the e-bike and the other features of the Cleanergy Center, contact APRI at (02) 886 2800 local 12622 or visit their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ CleanergyCenter. Cleanergy Center is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8am-4pm. Entrance is for free.|

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